Niche sports help put rural towns on the map
Small towns in rural Michigan have transformed single-day events like bike racing and ice climbing into branding campaigns, luring athletes and visitors to their communities year round.
Rosemary Parker's Latest Articles
Popular Kal-Haven Trail gets money for upgrades
The Kal-Haven Trail has been awarded $5 million in federal funds for the long-overdue resurfacing of 17 miles of the trail’s 33.5-mile length.
Tiny brewery overcomes hurdles to keep on pouring
Ramshackle Brewing Co. survives COVID and other obstacles to become a community gathering spot in southern Michigan.
Making Michigan’s beaches accessible to everyone
“It has been wonderful to hear the stories of families being able to enjoy the beaches and trails together for the first time. The stories go on and on,” says Michelle O'Kelly, coordinator for DNR Fund and Resource Development.
Street performers draw visitors to Michigan downtowns
Across Michigan, street performers and musicians are entertaining summer crowds in small towns. While it's part their livelihood, it's also part of community-planned programming to bring arts to small towns.
Your Michigan beach escape: Check out these gems
Just in time for summer, Michigan beach guru Jill Halpin shares some hidden beach gems on both peninsulas.
Leelanau County looks to improve internet access
Internet access and availability has long been an issue in mostly rural but tourist-friendly Leelanau County. After several years of study, the county is on the verge of beginning construction on a two-year project that would provide most households with internet access by the end of 2023.
Michigan downtowns explode with art, a magnet to visitors
Communities across Michigan are embracing all kinds of art -- everything from murals to gardens -- to help create a sense of place, inspire artists and add vibrancy to their downtowns.
Owner of $100m The Mill in Vicksburg re-opens beloved Southwest Michigan bakery in Vicksburg
For those who might be missing their favorite treat from MacKenzie's bakery in Kalamazoo after it closed the same recipes, smells and even some staff from the former locations on West Main and Ransom streets can now be found in Vicksburg courtesy of the folks developing The Mill there.
Elks and local family team up to support free dental clinic for Beaver Island students
A $3,000 grant from the local Elks Lodge and a matching donation provided free dental services to students on remote Beaver Island.
